National Grid announced March 24, it will defer the scheduled rate increases set to take effect April 1. The company has formally requested New York regulators postpone the approved gas and electricity delivery price increases in the wake of the hardships created by the COVID-19 outbreak statewide. National Grid has requested a three-month delay in implementing the rate hikes, which were negotiated as part of a multi-party agreement. The agreement calls for a 4 percent increase in electricity bills and a 5 percent increase in natural gas bills, which the company is now looking to put off until July 1. The company previously suspended all collections-related activities, including service disconnections and late payment charges during the ongoing emergency.